remained unknown

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'remained unknown' is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
Example: Despite the extensive research conducted, the true origins of the ancient artifact remained unknown.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But that remained unknown.

The New Yorker

His whereabouts remained unknown.

The Washington Post

The cause remained unknown.

The New York Times

Her political proclivities remained unknown.

The New Yorker

The fire's cause remained unknown.

The New York Times

It remained unknown what prompted the fight.

The New York Times

Mr. Pinajian remained unknown, but not completely.

The New York Times - Arts

In many quarters his identity remained unknown.

The New York Times

His subsequent fate has remained unknown.

The Economist

Its long-range purpose remained unknown.

The New York Times - Books

However, the precise mechanisms involved remained unknown.

The American Journal of Pathology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "remained unknown" to clearly indicate a lack of information or understanding about a particular subject or situation. It's suitable for formal and informal contexts, ensuring clarity in your communication.

Common error

While grammatically correct, overuse in casual conversation can sound overly formal. Opt for simpler alternatives like "nobody knew" or "it wasn't clear" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "remained unknown" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the state of a subject as lacking knowledge or awareness. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. Examples show it describing causes, identities, and purposes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

33%

Academia

24%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "remained unknown" is a versatile and frequently used expression to indicate a lack of knowledge or understanding, as supported by Ludwig AI. It functions as a predicate adjective, commonly appearing in news, scientific, and academic contexts. Although grammatically correct, it's important to consider the tone; while suitable for formal writing, simpler alternatives might be preferable in casual conversation. The phrase is prevalent in authoritative sources, denoting that the cause, identity, or purpose of something has not been established. Related phrases like "stayed unrevealed" or "continued to be a mystery" can provide nuanced alternatives, enhancing clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remained unexplained

Highlights the absence of an explanation or reason.

remained unclarified

Highlights that something lacks explanation or understanding.

stayed unrevealed

Focuses on the aspect of something not being disclosed or made public.

remained unconfirmed

Indicates the absence of validation or verification.

continued to be a mystery

Emphasizes the mysterious nature and unsolved aspect of the subject.

remained unresolved

Stresses the lack of solution or conclusion.

was never discovered

Highlights the absence of finding or uncovering something.

persisted in obscurity

Stresses the continuous state of being unknown or unnoticed.

evaded detection

Focuses on the inability to find or notice something, implying a deliberate avoidance.

was shrouded in secrecy

Indicates a deliberate attempt to keep something hidden.

FAQs

How can I use "remained unknown" in a sentence?

Use "remained unknown" to indicate that a piece of information was not discovered or revealed. For example, "The cause of the accident "remained unknown" despite the investigation."

What are some alternatives to "remained unknown"?

You can use alternatives such as "stayed unrevealed", "continued to be a mystery", or "was never discovered" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "stayed unknown" instead of "remained unknown"?

While "stayed unknown" isn't grammatically incorrect, ""remained unknown"" is more commonly used and generally preferred in formal writing.

What's the difference between "unknown" and "remained unknown"?

"Unknown" simply states that something is not known. "Remained unknown" implies that something was possibly expected to be known, or was investigated to be known, but knowledge of it has not been acquired.